In the US and Canada, nine variations of the third generation iPad were offered, compared to six in the rest of the world, although some countries had only the Wi-Fi only model. Each variation was available with black or white front glass panels, with options for 16, 32, or 64 GB of storage. In North America, connectivity options were Wi-Fi only, Wi-Fi + 4G (LTE) on Verizon, AT&T, Telus, Rogers, or Bell.[1] For the rest of the world outside North America, connectivity options are Wi-Fi only (on the Wi-Fi model) or Wi-Fi + 3G (on the Wi-Fi + Cellular model), with the latter unavailable in some countries, as 4G (LTE) connectivity for the device is not available outside North America. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model includes GPS capability.

Initially, the cellular version was titled and marketed worldwide as the "Wi-Fi + 4G" model, but due to lack of 4G (LTE) connectivity outside of North America, Apple later rebranded and altered their marketing to call this the "Wi-Fi + Cellular" model.[8][9][10]

The tablet was released in ten countries on March 16, 2012.[11] It gained mostly positive reviews, earning praise for its Retina display, processor and 4G (LTE) capabilities.[12][13][14][15][16] However, controversy arose when the LTE incompatibilities became known.[17] Three million units were sold in the first three days.[1][18]

After only 221 days of official availability, the third generation iPad was discontinued on October 23, 2012, following the announcement of the fourth generation iPad.[19]

Speculation about the product began shortly after Apple released the iPad 2, which featured front and back cameras as well as a dual-core Apple A5 processor. Speculation increased after news of a 2,048 by 1,536 pixel screen leaked.[20] During this time, the tablet was called the "iPad 3", a colloquial name sometimes still used after the release. On February 9, 2012, John Paczkowski of All Things Digital stated that "Apple’s not holding an event in February – strange, unusual or otherwise. But it is holding one in March – to launch its next iPad."[21] Another common rumor at the time was that the tablet would have an Apple A6 processor.[22][23]

On February 29, 2012 Apple announced a media event scheduled for March 7, 2012 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The company did not predisclose the subject of the event, but analysts widely expected the event to announce a new version of the iPad.[24][25][26][27] The announcement affected the tablet resale market positively.[28]

At the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced iOS 5.1, a Japanese version of Siri, and the third generation Apple TV before the third generation iPad.[29] Cook claimed that the new product would be one of the main contributors to the emerging "post-PC world" – a world in which digital life would not be tied to the PC.[30]

The March 16, 2012 release included eight countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.[11] The March 23, 2012 release included many European countries, Mexico and Macau.[31] The April 20, 2012 release added a dozen countries including South Korea and Malaysia. The April 27, 2012 release added nine more countries, including India and South Africa.[32][33] May 2012 releases added 31 countries, including Brazil and Turkey.[34]

On October 23, 2012, upon the announcement of the fourth generation iPad, the third generation iPad was discontinued.[35] In response to criticism from its owners, the return policy of select Apple Stores was briefly extended to thirty days to allow customers to exchange the third generation model for the fourth generation model.[36]

The iPad comes with several pre-installed applications, including Safari, Mail, Photos, Videos, YouTube, Music, iTunes, App Store, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Game Center, Photo Booth, and Contacts.[40] Like all iOS devices, the iPad can sync content and other data with a Mac or PC using iTunes, although iOS 5 and later can be managed and backed up without a computer. Although the tablet is not designed to make phone calls over a cellular network, users can use a headset or the built-in speaker and microphone and place phone calls over Wi-Fi or cellular using a VoIP application, such as Skype.[41] The device has dictation, using the same voice recognition technology as the iPhone 4S. The user speaks and the iPad types what they say on the screen provided that the iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.[38]

On September 19, 2012, iOS 6, which contains 200 new features, was released. The iOS 6 update includes new features such as Apple Maps, which replaced a mapping application operated by Google, Facebook integration and the ability to operate Siri on the third generation iPad.[47]

The third generation iPad is compatible with iOS 7, which was released in 2013. Although complete support, some newer features such as AirDrop that were released to newer models were not supported. This is the similar support that was also given on the iPhone 4S.[48]

During WWDC 2014, it was announced on Apple's website that the device would be receiving the forthcoming iOS 8 software update.[49]

Researchers demonstrated within hours of the product release that the third generation iPad can be "jailbroken" to use applications and programs that are not authorized by Apple.[50] The third generation iPad can be jailbroken with Redsn0w 0.9.12 or Absinthe 2.0.[51][52] Jailbreaking violates the factory warranty.[53][54] One of the main reasons for jailbreaking is to expand the feature set limited by Apple and its App Store. Most jailbreaking tools automatically install Cydia, a native iOS APT client used for finding and installing software for jailbroken iOS devices.[55] Many apps unapproved by Apple are extensions and customizations for iOS and other apps.[56] Users install these programs to personalize and customize the interface,[56] adding desired features and fixing annoyances,[57] and simplify app development by providing access to the filesystem and command-line tools.[58][59]

The device has an Apple A5XSoC with a 1 GHz dual-core 32-bit Cortex-A9 CPU and a quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 GPU; 1 GB of RAM; a 5-megapixel, rear-facing camera capable of 1080p video recording; and a VGA front-facing videophone camera designed for FaceTime.[60] The display resolution is 2,048 by 1,536 (QXGA) with 3.1 million pixels – four times more than the iPad 2 – providing even scaling from the prior model.[61][62][63] The new iPad is thicker than its predecessor by 0.6 mm and is heavier by 51 grams for the Wi-Fi model (652 grams).[3][64] The Wi-Fi + Cellular models (both at 662 grams[3]) are 49 grams heavier for the AT&T model and 55 grams heavier for the Verizon model compared to the respective iPad 2 3G models (AT&T 3G iPad 2 is 613 grams, and Verizon 3G iPad 2 is 607 grams).[65]

There are four physical switches on the third generation iPad, including a home button near the display that returns the user to the home screen, and three plastic switches on the sides: wake/sleep and volume up/down, plus a software-controlled switch whose function varies with software update.[3] The display responds to other sensors: an ambient light sensor to adjust screen brightness and a 3-axis accelerometer to sense orientation and to switch between portrait and landscape modes. Unlike the iPhone and iPod Touch's built-in applications, which work in three orientations (portrait, landscape-left and landscape-right), the iPad's built-in applications support screen rotation in all four orientations, including upside-down. Consequently, the device has no intrinsic "native" orientation; only the relative position of the home button changes.[3]

The tablet is manufactured either with or without the capability to communicate over a cellular network; all models can connect to a wireless LAN. The third generation iPad optionally has 16, 32, or 64 GB of internal flash memory, with no expansion option. Apple sells a "camera connection kit" with an SD card reader, but it can only be used to transfer photos and videos.[3]

The audio playback of the third generation iPad has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Without third-party software it can play the following audio formats: HE-AAC, AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible formats (2, 3, 4, AEA, AAX, and AAX+), ALAC, AIFF, and WAV.[3] A preliminary tear-down of the third generation iPad by IHS iSuppli showed the likely costs for a 16 GB Wi-Fi + Cellular model at $358.30, 32 GB at $375.10, and 64 GB at $408.70 respectively.[66]

This iPad uses an internal rechargeablelithium-ion polymer (LiPo) battery. The batteries are made in Taiwan by Simplo Technology (60%) and Dynapack International Technology.[67] The iPad is designed to be charged with a high current of 2 amps using the included 10 WUSB power adapter and USB cord with a USB connector at one end and a 30-pin dock connector at the other end. While it can be charged by an older USB port from a computer, these are limited to 500 milliamps (0.5 amps). As a result, if the iPad is in use while powered by a computer, it may charge very slowly, or not at all. High-power USB ports found in newer computers and accessories provide full charging capabilities.[68]

Apple claims that the battery can provide up to 10 hours of video, 140 hours of audio playback, or one month on standby; people say the battery lasts about 8 hours doing normal tasks.[69] Like any rechargeable battery, the iPad's battery loses capacity over time. However, the iPad's battery is not user-replaceable. In a program similar to iPod and iPhone battery-replacement programs, Apple promised to replace an iPad that does not hold an electrical charge with a refurbished unit for a fee of US$99 plus $6.95 shipping.[70][71] User data is not preserved/transferred. The refurbished unit comes with a new case.[72] The warranty on the refurbished unit may vary between jurisdictions.

The Smart Cover, introduced with the iPad 2, is a screen protector that magnetically attaches to the face of the iPad. The cover has three folds which allow it to convert into a stand, which is also held together by magnets. The Smart Cover can also assume other positions by folding it.[73] While original iPad owners could purchase a black case that included a similarly folding cover, the Smart Cover is simpler, easily detachable, and protects only the screen. Smart Covers have a microfiber bottom that cleans the front of the iPad, and wakes up the unit when the cover is removed. It comes in five colors of both polyurethane and the more expensive leather.[74][75]

Apple offers several other accessories,[76] most of which are adapters for the proprietary 30-pin dock connector, the only port besides the headphone jack.[3] A dock holds the iPad upright at an angle, and has a dock connector and audio line-out port. The iPad can use Bluetooth keyboards that also work with Macs and PCs.[77] The iPad can be charged by a standalone power adapter ("wall charger") compatible with iPods and iPhones, and a 10 Watt charger is included.[3]

The third generation iPad received many positive reviews, receiving praise for its Retina display, camera, processor and LTE capabilities.[12][13][15] According to Walt Mossberg of All Things Digital, the new model "has the most spectacular display...seen in a mobile device" and holds the crown as "the best tablet on the planet."[62]Jonathan Spira, writing in Frequent Business Traveler, claimed that it "seems to make everything sharper and clearer".[14]

Criticism followed the news that in markets outside the US, the tablet cannot communicate with LTE due to its use of 700 MHz and 700/2,100 MHz frequencies, respectively, versus 800 MHz, 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz used elsewhere.[78][79] Soon after the launch, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took Apple to court for breaking four provisions of Australian consumer law. They alleged that Apple's promotion of the tablet in Australia as the 'iPad Wi-Fi + 4G' misled customers, as the name indicates that it would work on Australia's then-current 4G network.[80][81] Apple responded to this by offering a full refund to all customers in Australia who purchased the Wi-Fi + Cellular model (when it was previously named "Wi-Fi + 4G") of the iPad.[10]

On April 20, 2012, Apple stated that HSPA+ networks in Australia are 4G, even though the speeds are slower than that of LTE.[82] A month later, on June 21, 2012, Apple was sued for A$2.25 million for false advertising in Australia. In its advertisements Apple claimed that the new iPad was 4G LTE compatible. However, it didn't work with the Telstra LTE mobile data network in Australia. Apple was fined A$2.25 million and was ordered to pay A$300,000 in costs.[83]

Apple agreed to remove all references to 4G (LTE) capability in its UK advertising but as of August had not done so. There was no widespread 4G (LTE) network in the UK at the time, and the third generation iPad would also be incompatible with future 4G (LTE) networks when they did roll-out there. The Advertising Standards Authority received consumer complaints on the matter. Apple offered to refund customers who bought the device after being misled by the advertising.[84] The result of numerous complaints and lawsuits against Apple regarding the use of the term 4G in their advertisements prompted Apple to rename its "4G" service to "Cellular", with this change appearing on Apple's website on May 13, 2012.[8][9]

Many users reported abnormally high temperatures on the casing of the unit, especially after running 3D games. If used while plugged in, the rear of the new iPad became as much as 12 °F (6.7 °C) hotter than an iPad 2. The difference unplugged was 13 °F (7.2 °C). Thermal imaging tests revealed that the iPad can reach 116 °F (47 °C). At this temperature it was warm to touch but not uncomfortable when held for a brief period.[85][86][87] In a follow-up report, Consumer Reports said, they "don't believe the temperatures we recorded in our tests of the new iPad represent a safety concern".[88]

The claimed superiority of the A5X over the Tegra 3 processor was questioned around launch time by competitor Nvidia; some benchmarks later confirmed the iPad's superiority in graphics performance, while other benchmarks show that the Tegra 3 has greater performance in some areas.[89][90]

Consumer Reports gave the third generation iPad a top rating and recommendation, claiming that the tablet was "superb", "very good", and "very fast", and that the 4G network, the Retina display, and overall performance were positive attributes. They elaborated on the display quality, stating that the third generation iPad was "the best we’ve seen". The iPad's new display was a large enough improvement to prompt Consumer Reports to rate it "excellent," and consequently downgraded the display of other tablets (including the iPad 2) from "excellent" to "very good."[16][91] As with the preceding models (see the parent article on the iPad), iOS' closed and proprietary nature garnered criticism, particularly by digital rights advocates such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, computer engineer and activist Brewster Kahle, Internet-law specialist Jonathan Zittrain, and the Free Software Foundation who protested the iPad's introductory event and have targeted the iPad with their "Defective by Design" campaign.[92]

Upon the release of iOS 6, Swiss Federal Railway accused Apple of copying a trademarked "iconic railway" clock in the "Clock" app that is available on all iPad models that support iOS 6.[93][94] On October 15, 2012, the Swiss Railway company released a statement saying Apple agreed to pay a licensing fee to use its clock design.[95]

Pre-orders were so high for the third generation iPad that later orders were quoted shipping times of "two to three weeks" after the order was placed.[96][97] Apple said that "customer response to the new iPad has been off the charts and the quantity available for pre-order has been purchased".[31] Despite the delayed shipping, many users chose to purchase the iPad online instead of waiting in line at the Apple Store.[98] Approximately 750 people waited outside the Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City for the product's release.[99] According to an Apple press release, three million units were sold in the first three days.[1][18] The iPad was purchased mainly by a younger, male demographic. Most of the buyers were either "die-hard Apple fans" or had previously purchased an iPad.[100] Brad Ditzell, manager of MacTown, an Apple retailer in Dayton, Ohio, claimed that the demand for the tablet was "chaotic" and claimed that its launch was "drastically more significant than the iPad 2 launch."[5]